Peshawar – Authorities have issued a detailed schedule and operational directives regarding the repatriation of undocumented Afghan nationals through the Torkham Border Terminal, placing security on high alert and enforcing strict movement controls in and around the border area.
According to official instructions, the deportation process will formally begin today at 9:30 a.m. (Pakistan Standard Time). All relevant departments, including the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Pakistan Customs, National Logistics Corporation (NLC), and NADRA, have been directed to ensure that their systems are fully operational and staff are present on site by 9:00 a.m. to complete the required setup.
Officials further stated that all concerned institutions must submit their ready status reports to security authorities at Torkham by 9:00 a.m., making timely preparedness mandatory for smooth implementation of the repatriation process.
In addition, the NLC, FIA, and Customs authorities have been instructed to finalize arrangements related to the movement of deportation vehicles and obtain formal approvals from their respective senior officers confirming system readiness and operational restoration through official communication channels.
Under the IFRP (Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan), authorities clarified that deportation trucks will not depart tomorrow, and their movement will instead commence the day after tomorrow. Customs and NLC officials have been directed to inform civilian transporters in advance to avoid bringing trucks to the terminal tomorrow.
Meanwhile, strict security measures have been enforced at the border terminal.A complete curfew will remain in place at Torkham, and all civilian movement from nearby localities including Bacha Mena, Machni, and surrounding areas has been prohibited.The Zero Line has also been fully closed to local residents.
Police officials, including the SHO Landi Kotal, ASIs, and other personnel, have been tasked with ensuring that no civilians, laborers, or unauthorized individuals enter the restricted zone.
Authorities have also ordered that all shops in the area remain closed, and the curfew will continue until security officials at Torkham issue clearance.
Officials confirmed that only deportees arriving from the Hamza Baba Camp will be transported in a controlled manner to the Zero Line for onward crossing into Afghanistan.
Furthermore, the National Logistics Corporation has been directed to ensure uninterrupted electricity and internet connectivity to prevent any disruption or delay in the IFRP repatriation process.
Authorities emphasized that any failure to complete preparations by 9:00 a.m. will result IN responsibility being fixed on the concerned department, underscoring the importance of coordination and timely execution of the operation.
The enhanced arrangements reflect the administration’s efforts to ensure an orderly, secure, and coordinated repatriation process at one of the country’s most sensitive border crossings.
